Forward putting golf putter

ABSTRACT

A golf putter is constructed with a relatively large diameter putter shaft and a heavy putter head. Said putter shaft has two gripping areas with thin tape and a ball retriever attaches at the end. Said golf putter head consists of a semi-circular body with a flat sole and a central sole runner. A large head neck seats on slight left of the center of gravity of said putter head. Two symmetrical wing stabilizers also locate on top of said putter head. A letter “T” is marked on the top of said putter head for aiming purpose. Said putter shaft diverges from the vertical line by at least 25 degrees. This golf putter is used in a unique forward putting way with side-saddle manner. A high degree of hole-in can be achieved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Prior Art

The present invention relates to a golf putter and a putting methodwhich is different from the conventional putter head configuration andthe two-hands sideway putting method in the game of golf.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A conventional golf putter consists of an elongated slope face of theputter head or a semi-circular or fork type sole body attaches to oneend of a small diameter of putter shaft. When a golfer putts a golf ballon the green, he stands sideway with two hands holding the putter. Agolfer strikes a ball from the right (left) side of his body to the left(right) side of his body for a right-handed (left-handed) putt towardsthe hole. This method of putting encounters many problems. Theseproblems cannot be easily corrected due to the nature of putting andputter head configuration. These problems include: a) incorrect depthjudgement by using a single eye (lazed eye) sighting which is lacking inthree dimensional judgement, b) pulling/pushing problems due to acurvature swing, c) a long suspension point from the spinal bone of agolfer to the putter head which causes a less control and low accuracy,d) less pendulous movement, e) a small forgiven putting area due to theway of curvature swing, f) an unstable swing due to due to a small shaftdiameter, a small head neck connected area, and a relatively lightweight of putter head, g) unsteady gripping hand due to a rubbermaterial in nature, h) co-ordination problem due to unequal size handmuscles which controlled by two different part of human brain, and i)lack of three dimensional control during the swing due to six points ofbody-hand-putter connection system. (Appendix I List of Prior Art Citedby Applicant)

My previous invention which was filed on Jul. 10, 1998 (Des 431,850)corrected some of problems as mentioned as on the previous paragraph andimproved the game of golf putting. However, some of shortcomings andproblems of previous invention still exited. These shortcomings includeda) the elongated shape of putter head is unstable during backwardsswing, b) the head neck location is too close to the head putting face,c) a small diameter of putter shaft produces an unstable swing, d) thedegree of divergence of putter shaft from the vertical is too small tostrike the ball, e) the head-neck and putter head body connection is toomuch of abrupt transition, f) a small diameter of head neck is too smallto hold steadily which causes a twisting motion during swing, g) a thickrubber made gripping area cannot be held firmly, h) the weight ofputting head is too light to swing steadily, i) lack of putting aimingline at the top of putter head, j) lack of guide line to indicate theposition of ball lie, k) lack of ball retriever, l) no neck ridge isallow by the new rule, and l) no neck recess is allow by the new rule.The differences of Yang's old designed golf putter and the presentinvention are summarized on the Table 1. This present invention isfollowed by the new requirement of golf club which is stated in the“Rule of Golf” (USGA 2012).

A new feature of said golf putter is added. A golf ball retriever isattached at the end of the putter shaft. Said ball retriever can also bereplaced with a flat end adoptor with the player's choice.

Said golf putter is used in a side-saddle putting manner with twoseparated gripping hand on a jumbo gripping area. For a right-handedgolfer, the left hand holds the upper grip area and functions as asuspension point for a pendular swing, while the right hand holds thelower gripping area and function as a striking hand. The left foot isplaced at the base line as that of said golf head lie. The right foot isat one-foot behind the base line at the middle of base line between theleft foot and said putter head. This putting posture forms a letter of“T”. This foot stance provides a steady standing posture and create anadequate room for the backwards swing motion which is needed for a longdistance putting. While prepare for striking, the putter head placesright behind the golf ball lie. The putter head neck is perpendicular tothe sole of putter head and forms a letter of “T” to the ground. Whilestriking, the right eye of the golfer is right on the top of the golfball. The letter of “T” mark on the top of said putter head aim thetarget putting line. The right hand grips the lower gripping area and doa proper backwards swing before striking the ball forward. The wholeunit of said golf

TABLE 1 The differences of Yang's old golf putter and the presentinvention PRESENT FEATURES OLD PUTTER INVENTION a. Shape of putterelongated semi-circular b. head necks location center front left ofgravity center of head c. diameter of putter shaft <30 mm >38 mm d.degree of divergence >10 >25 e. head neck-head body absence presentextended connection f. diameter of head neck <20 mm >25 mm g. twogripping areas thick rubber thin-tape h. putter head weight <750 g >750g i. “T” letter on the top absence present of putter head j. lines forball location absence present k. ball retriever absence present l. neckridge present absence m. neck recess on neck ridge present absenceputter and two gripping hands move forward together towards the targethole. This forward motion starts at the moment of said putter headstruck the ball. This forward putting motion with two eyes sightingensure the putt will be on a straight line to the hole. This putterputting involved these three “T” letter setting as shown in Appendix ILThe present invented golf putter is also called a 3-T putter. By usingthis present invention, a high percentage of hole-in rate and a highdegree of consistency of golf putting can be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invented golf putter is designed to be used in a forwardputting with two eyes sighting in a side-saddle manner.

Said invented golf putter is characterized with a large golf shaft andwith a heavy putter head. The shaft has two large gripping areas. Saidgolf putter consists of a heavy semi-circular sole body with a flat soleand a central sole runner. Said golf shaft has two separated largegripping areas with a thin layer of tape on it. One end of said putterhead shaft connects to the neck of putter head which locates at leftside of the middle line of the center of gravity of the putter head. Theother end of said putter shaft attachs with a ball retriever for an easyball retrieving after ball-in.

The diameter of said putter shaft with a relatively large diameter ofhead neck provide a firm and twisting-free swing movement. Theprojection of the straight part of the shaft on to the vertical planethrough the toe and heel of said putter head diverges from the verticalby at least 25 degrees which is required by the golf association. Twowing stabilizers are located at the top of semi-circular sole body head.These stabilizers improves the stability of forward and backwards ofstriking motion.

The flat striking of said putter head is perpendicular to the ground atthe address position. Two lines of ball location indicator locate at themiddle of the top of said putter head. A connecting area which is largerthan the diameter of the head neck between the putter head neck and thetop of said putter head is constructed. This enlarged connecting areaimprove the stability of forward and backwards swings.

A first letter “T” is marked on the top of semi-circular sole body foraiming the putting line. During putting setting, the head neck to thesemi-circular sole forming a second “T” letter to the ground, while aputting stand posture between the two feet and ball location forms athird “T” letter to the putting line. This putting setting provide a bigroom for a backwards swing, especially for a long distance putting. As aresult, a high percentage of hole-in and a high degree of game joy dueto two eyes sighting can be achieved. Because of 3 “T” letters involvingin putter club construction and putting stand posture, this newinvention is also called “The 3 T Putter”.

NOVELTY OF INVENTION

The novelty of said invention and putting method can be summarized asbelow:

-   1. The weight of said putter head is no less than 750 g which is    twice of the weight of conventional putter head. This heavy golf    putter head gives players a steady backwards and forward swings.-   2. An off-center head neck connection to the top of semi-circular    sole body creates a balance swing motion due to the divergence of    said putter shaft from the vertical plane.-   3. A large diameter of putter shaft and a firm gripping of right    hand on the large gripping area with a thin tape rapping provide a    steady and much controllable swing. In a conventional two-hand    sideways putting due to its small diameter of golf shaft, a torque    problem of swing is commonly encountered.-   4. The degree of said golf shaft divergence is set at 25 degrees    when the putter is in its address position. This large degree of    divergence provides a proper address position for golfs left hand to    hold the top of the putter shaft gripping area.-   5. A large diameter of head neck and neck-head and neck-head body    connection area create a strong one-piece unit of said golf putter.    This one-piece unit feeling enhance greatly a high degree of putting    consistence and accuracy.-   6. An unique design of 3 “T” aiming setting for said golf putter    provides a high degree of putting consistency and a high percentage    of hole-in rate.-   7. Two lines of ball lying position indicator ensure the striking    right at the sweet sport of said putter head.-   8. An ball retriever system attaches at the end of said golf shaft    of putter increase especially those of senior golf player, pleasure    of golf game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective 3-D general view of a golf putter;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top perspective view of a second embodiment ofsaid golf putter as disclosed in FIG. 1, The shaft shown fragmented forease of illustrations;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14 disclose the shaft broken away due toindeterminate length.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

-   4 golf ball retriever-   6 grip-   8 putter shaft-   10 head neck-   12 connecting area between head neck to the top putter head-   14R wing stabilizer (right)-   14L wing stabilizer (left)-   16 putter head face-   18 “T” marker on the top of head face area-   20 “T” marker in the middle of the top of putter head-   22 sole runner-   24R indicator line for the right side of ball lying location-   24L indicator line for the left side of ball lying location-   26 semi-circular sole body putter head

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a to perspective 3-D general view of invented golfputter. It is constructed with a putter shaft 8 marking with twoseparated jumbo gripping areas 6 and a putter head with semi-circular inshape 26 which has two wing stabilizers 14R and 14L on it. A golf ballretriever 4 is attached at the top end of said putter shaft 8. Saidputter shaft 8 diverges at the divergence point 125 mm distance or lessfrom the bottom of sole runner 22 at least 25 degrees of divergence fromthe vertical plane. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a rear and a frontelevational view of said invented golf putter. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustratea top and a bottom plan view of said invented golf putter. FIGS. 6 and 7is a right side and a left side elevational view of said invented golfputter.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top perspective view of a second embodiment ofsaid golf putter as disclosed in FIG. 1, the shaft shown fragmented forease of illustrations. A ball retriever is attached at the top end ofsaid shaft for easy ball retrieving after ball hole-in. The diameter ofsaid ball retriever hole is equal or less than the diameter of the golfball. Two opposite U shape notches are located at the rim of said ballretriever. The depth of ball retriever hole is greater than half of thediameter of golf ball. The thickness of the rim of said ball retrieveris equal to or less than 5 mm. Two U notches provide an easy removal ofthe golf ball.

A large diameter of said putter shaft 8 has two separated jumbo grippingareas 6 with a thin layer of tape for a firm gripping. The projection ofthe straight part of the shaft on to the vertical plane through the toeand heel diverges from the vertical by at least 25 degrees which isrequired by the golf association around the world. The diameter of theputter shaft 8 is no less than 38 mm. This large putter shaft 8 isconnected to a semi-circular sole body 26 which is heavier than 750 gthrough a relatively large putter head neck 10. Said putter head neck isno less than 28 mm in diameter. This large putter shaft 8 and saidputter neck head 10 provide a firm and a twisting-free swing movement.This steady movement is enhanced by a connecting area 12 between saidputter head neck 10 to the top of putter head.

Two wing stabilizers 14R 14L are located at the top of saidsemi-circular sole body 26. These wing stabilizer ensures thestabilization of forward and backwards swing movement during the ballstriking. A sole runner 22 is located at the bottom of center of saidsemi-circular sole body 26. This sole runner 22 ensures the lowest ofthe center of gravity of semi-circular sole body 26. Said sole runner isalso function to reduce the chance of ground choking during ballstriking.

The flat striking of said putter head face 16 is perpendicular to theground at the address position. Two lines 24R 24L of ball lie locationindicator of golf ball on the top of said putter head are marked. For ahigh degree of hole-in rate, three “T” letters putting set-up isdesigned for this present invention. The first “T” letter marker islocated at the top of putter head face area 18 and the middle of the topof said semi-circular sole body putter head 26. The second “T” letter isestablished between the head neck to said semi-circular sole which isperpendicular to the ground. The third “T” letter is formed for aplayer's putting posture among the left foot toe, right foot toe and theball lie location. The left foot toe of player places at the left cornerof “T” letter, while the golf ball lies at right corner of “T” letterforming a base line. The right foot toe of player places at middle of“T” letter around 14 inches behind the base line. This putting postureprovides a big room for long distance putting.

This new invention is only used for two eyes sighting with a forward armmovement putting method. Two eyes sighting creates a three dimensionalfeeling which is important for a distance reading. One hand puttingreduces the coordination problem of right side brain and left side braincommunication. By using this new invention, a high degree of hole-inrate and high degree of game joy can be achieved.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective 3-D general view of a golf putter;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top perspective view of a second embodiment ofsaid golf putter as disclosed in FIG. 1, The shaft shown fragmented forease of illustrations;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14 disclose the shaft broken away due toindeterminate length.

I claim: the golf putter design for a golf game as shown

I claim:
 1. The ornamental design for a forward putting golf putter, asshown and described: Description FIG. 1 is a top perspective 3-D generalview of a golf putter; FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof; FIG. 3is a front elevational view thereof; FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof; FIG. 6 is a right side elevationalview of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 1; FIG. 8is an enlarged top perspective view of a second embodiment of said golfputter as disclosed in FIG. 1, The shaft shown fragmented for ease ofillustrations; FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is afront elevational view of FIG. 8; FIG. 11 is a top plan view of FIG. 8;FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8; FIG. 13 is a left sideelevational view of FIG. 8; and FIG. 14 is a right side elevational viewof FIG.
 8. FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14 disclose the shaft broken away dueto indeterminate length.